Pastor David Rosales

We have begun a new year what a great time to ask ourselves the question, "Do I spend enough time alone with God?" You see, Jesus' ministry on earth was a busy one, He was thronged by people at all times of the day or night. Mark 1:32-34 gives us an example of a typical day for the Lord, "Now at evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him." Even though Jesus was 100% God, He was also 100% human and needed physical strength to meet the needs of the day. He needed to nourish His body with food and find time to rest as well. But Jesus recognized that there was an even greater need - that of spiritual nourishment - and time and time again the Bible tells us that the Lord spent time alone with the Father in prayer. Whether it was getting up very early in the day, or walking to a deserted place in the evening, Jesus consistently took time to be alone with God, the Father. If Jesus needed time alone with the Father in prayer, how much more do you and I need that time of communion? None of us will ever have demands put upon us like Jesus, we will not go about healing people, casting out demons on a daily basis, nor will we face the persecution; shame, and pain of the cross. But we will face daily temptation from our own fleshly desires, the world, and Satan. And we will consistently face problems of diverse kinds in this life - maybe it's relationship trouble, financial trouble; health trouble; job trouble, or family trouble. Our priority must be to stay in close communion with the Father - to do His will every moment of the day. All to often, we get immersed in the busyness of the day and the trials and troubles invade our life and we leave no time for personal fellowship with God. The very thing that we put on the back burner should be put first in our life - time alone with the Lord. Is it any wonder that we are on edge; giving in to temptation and defeated in our Christian life? Let's start this new year out on the right foot and get our priorities straight! We must see the importance of praying and reading His Word on a daily basis. Don't allow yourself to be tempted to think that you can "go it alone" on any given day! Jesus said, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matt 26:41) As you make this a priority in your life - the Lord will strengthen you and give to you the power and peace to face life's trials.